The Fall Classic

There's nothing in sports like the World Series. Especially when it's competitive. The last great World Series we've seen was the 2001 thriller between the Yankees and Diamondbacks. That was a series for the ages, with the underdog DBacks winning on a bloop single from Luis Gonzalez in the 9th inning.

This series could have the same kind of drama. And it starts tonight.

We've got too very different, yet similar teams. Texas is appearing in their first ever World Series, and the Rangers have, arguably, the greatest postseason pitcher in the history of the game with Cliff Lee. Behind him are a bunch of no namers, but look out for Colby Lewis. He's on some kind of run, and pitched an unbelievable game to clinch the ALCS. Neftali Feliz is as electric as it gets at the back end of the bullpen. They have a youthful, energetic team, led by rising star Elvis Andrus at shortstop. If you don't know who this kid is, learn his name quickly, because he's the next Ozzie Smith/Omar Vizquel. Unbelievable hands, footwork, and arm at the shortstop position, as well as great foot speed. He's a singles hitter right now, but he will develop into the best leadoff hitter in the game within two years. Obviously there's the superstar in Josh Hamilton, with sluggers Nelson Cruz and future hall of famer Vladimir Guerrero to protect him. But there's the unsung heroes, like second baseman Ian Kinsler, outfielder David Murphy, and rookie first baseman Mitch Moreland. This is a club that can beat you with their pitching, flash some leather, and blast away at the opposition with a high powered, multifaceted attack.

The Giants are looking for their first World Series title since 1954, when they were the New York Giants. San Fran has co-aces Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain, with Jonathan Sanchez behind them, who isn't too far away from being an ace. All of them, including 20 year old Madison Bumgarner, have pitched an excellent game in the playoffs. Because of their depth, and a solid back end of the bullpen with Brian Wilson being the anchor, I like the Giants' pitching more than Texas'. The offense isn't constructed like Texas', and they struggle at times, but make no mistake that anyone in this lineup can take you deep. Cody Ross has channeled his inner Reggie Jackson this October, and Aubrey Huff has had a career revival at first. Don't forget clutch hitting Juan Uribe, who hit the series clincher in Game 6 of the NLCS, and stud rookie Buster Posey. And I haven't even mentioned former 30 homer man Pat Burrell, or the ever dangerous Pablo Sandoval. This lineup isn't quite as fluid as the Rangers' though, so I like Texas in that aspect.

As for how this series will go, I think San Francisco is making a huge mistake by starting Lincecum in Game 1. Yes, I realize he matches up best with Cliff Lee, but no one can truly match up with Lee. The Rangers will be heavily favored to win Game 1, and will most likely, whether it is Lincecum, or say, Sanchez on the hill. So why not start Sanchez? That saves Lincecum and Cain for Games 2 and 3, which gives San Francisco a massive advantage. Instead, I think Texas' offense will come up big again, and Cliff Lee will do what he does. I like Texas in a dramatic seven game series.

Baseball At It's Finest

This is why I love baseball.

After the Rangers historic collapse in Game 1 to the Yankees, I was second guessing my pick that they would go to the World Series. The Yankees did what the Yankees do. They were that professional team that waits the other team out, then strikes when they smell blood. It's why they've won 27 championships. I couldn't help but shrug after the game and realize the Yankees were going to win because of experience.

Texas was finished. Only they weren't. Not even close.

Their postseason rotation is Cliff Lee, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis, and Tommy Hunter. Other than Cliff Lee, I had no idea who the last three were before this season. Wilson? A former starter, turned reliever, turned starter again who once failed miserably at being a closer. Lewis? He spent the last few years pitching in Japan. Hunter? He was just a farm hand down in the minor leagues, not even a top prospect, just somebody to fill a roster spot. And now they've played a huge role in sending this team to the World Series.

After the blow up in Game 1, Colby Lewis pitched one of the biggest games in team history, as the Rangers lit up 18 game winner Phil Hughes. Then, everyone knew Cliff Lee would win Game 3 in New York, which he did, 8-0. And the Texas offense broke out again scoring 10 runs in Game 4 to take a stunning 3-1 lead in the series. They're the only team in history to score at least 8 runs in back to back games in the postseason in New York against the Yankees. Even after the Yankees thumped Texas to force a Game 6 back in Arlington,  Lewis delivered again. Eight innings of dominant pitching set the stage for a huge victory. By the end of the night, the Yankees had surrendered the 2nd most runs they've ever given up in a playoff series.

So now the team that had won just ONE playoff game in their history before this year, marches to the World Series. Whoever they play, it won't matter. They've overcome the biggest road block already. Between a team that had played in the ALCS 40 times versus a team that was there for the first time, anyone would have taken the Yankees. Especially after Game 1. But the young, deep, and explosive Rangers ran circles around the Yanks, making them look like the aging team they were for much of the 2000s. Youth has set the precedent in baseball. The Rangers have that, the Yankees don't.

The Rangers snubbed the Yankees' history.

Now they're making their own.

What If... (Part Two)

After inquiring what would have happened if the Reds had kept Josh Hamilton, I couldn't help but wonder about the Reds season again, after watching Cliff Lee dominate the Yankees in Game 3 of the ALCS last night. Lee threw 8 shutout innings, and struck out 13. He now has pitched 24 innings this postseason and is 3-0 with 34 strikeouts. In 8 career postseason starts, he's 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA and 67 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings. Wow. No one, and I mean truly no one, compares to what he has done in the playoffs.

What if the Reds had acquired Cliff Lee?

This isn't as farfetched as you might think. Just four days before he was shipped to Texas, there was an Enquirer article (here: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100705/SPT04/307050053/Reds-interested-in-acquiring-Cliff-Lee) about how the Reds had talked to the Mariners about Lee in mid-June.

Lee would have garnered at least one impact bat, an impact pitcher, and another good player. A Yonder Alonso, Travis Wood, and Juan Francisco deal would have gotten the job done. Parting with Alonso and Francisco would have been no big deal. But Wood? That's a tough call. Would they have taken Homer Bailey over him? Maybe.

Is a potential 7 years of what you will get from Wood worth the 3 months and the postseason from Cliff Lee?

The Rangers would tell you yes. They're on a run towards destiny right now.

And the Reds are stuck at home watching. Obviously Lee doesn't make a difference in Game 1 of the NLDS for the Reds. Halladay was all but perfect. You can't beat that. But what if the Reds had won just two more games with Lee? Then they're playing the Braves in the NLDS.

Could they have won that?

We don't know the answer, but we see what might have been by watching these Rangers now.

What If...

On Friday night, when Josh Hamilton ripped an 0-2 pitch in the first inning from C.C. Sabathia down the right field line for a three run homer, I couldn't help but wonder....

What if?

Hamilton's bullet electrified the crowd in Arlington, the way he electrified the crowd in New York on that July evening in 2008 in the Homerun Derby. Then, the next day, the Yankees decided to pitch around him, walking him four times. That's Barry Bonds-like respect.

If Josh Hamilton was still in a Reds uniform, how good would Cincinnati be? (Read this Enquirer article for some interesting stuff on Josh: http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20101017/SPT04/10180327)

As good as Hamilton is in center, he would be in left in Cincy, with Drew Stubbs remaining in center, in order to protect Hamilton's health. He would experience less wear and tear on his body, especially his legs, which would allow him to continue to produce the power we see from him. Can you imagine him putting up the kind of numbers he put up in 2008 (.304, 32 HR, 130 RBI) and 2010 (.359, 32 HR, 100 RBI) behind Joey Votto? The Reds already have one MVP candidate for years to come, and they could have had two.

Granted, at the time, the trade was not a bad one. The Reds needed pitching, and the Rangers need a fresh player to be the face of their team. Edinson Volquez was a 17 game winner, an All Star, and a true ace in 2008. He hasn't done much since, though he was out because of Tommy John surgery for the majority of that time period. 

Nonetheless, with the now surplus of pitching, and the fact that Cincy seemingly has lacked another big time impact bat at times in the past year, many would redo that trade. I can't decide what I would do. Because Volquez is really the only pitcher on the staff that has the true potential to become a lock down ace (besides Aroldis Chapman). I think in the end, I would have kept Josh. Granted, hindsight is 20/20, but he's the most talented player I've ever seen, other than Ken Griffey Jr. and Albert Pujols.

LCS Set; Reds Awards

With wins by the Giants and Rangers, both League Championship Series are now set. We've got the San Francisco Giants vs. the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL, and the New York Yankees vs. the Texas Rangers in the AL. Both should be good series, dominated by great starting pitching. 

Let's start with the NLCS. How about Tim Lincecum vs. Roy Halladay in Game 1? You couldn't have picked a better pitching match-up. Overall, there's no question that Philadelphia has a better, deeper lineup. And I would take their pitching staff over the Giants, as well, because of the experience of Roy Oswalt and former World Series MVP Cole Hamels. I think the Giants have a better shot of slowing down Philly's offense than the Reds did, but Philadelphia is far too strong to be stopped now. Only an American League team has a shot at beating them. Give me Philadelphia in 5 in the best of 7 series.

Now for the ALCS. First, congratulations to the Texas Rangers on winning their first ever series in the playoffs. It's tough to be able to watch other team's games throughout the course of the year, so I truly didn't have a good bearing on how good the Rangers were. I knew they were good, but I didn't think they were as solid as they showed in their series against Tampa. So kudos to Texas; and to my buddy Jeff, yes, you were right, the Rangers are legit. So here we go, Texas and New York. I love the pitching staff of Texas, especially with Cliff Lee and CJ Wilson at the top, and the back of their bullpen. I think New York's lineup may be a touch stronger, but Texas has more flexibility, with speed up and down the order. This series will be as close as it gets, but with four home games for Texas, I'll take the Rangers in 7.

MVP: Joey Votto - Is there even any doubt? I mean really. He's been the best player on the team for the last several years, and now he's taken it to another level. Votto hits for power, average, and in the clutch. His defense has even improved. He carried this team on his back for stretches, like all the great ones do. One moment always sticks in my mind about him this season. They were down three to Philadelphia, with two out in the 9th inning. Thom Brennaman kept saying they need to get Votto to the plate, representing the tying run. Well, with two down, Phillips and Cabrera both got on, and sure enough, Joey Votto lined a game tying homer into the seats in left center. How much more clutch can you get?

Cy Young: Bronson Arroyo - Arroyo is too important to the team as a whole to ignore. It was his 5th straight season with at least 200 innings, and his 3rd straight season with at least 15 wins, notching a career high 17 wins. Arroyo has been defined by his consistency in Cincinnati. He takes the ball every five days, and I know that any manager in baseball would love to have him on their staff. This guy isn't an ace, but he can sure pitch like one at times, as evidenced by his performance in the playoffs. And he's undoubtedly the glue to this rotation.

Reliever of the Year: Arthur Rhodes - Raise your hand if you thought he'd be an All Star before this season. Yea, that's what I thought. After giving up a homerun on the first weekend of the season, he went on some kind of run. He was the most reliable reliever in all of baseball for a long stretch, and though he faded, Sir Arthur was vital early in the season with all of those bullpen issues.

Rookie of the Year: Mike Leake - As vital as Rhodes was to the bullpen, this guy was to the rotation. While Homer Bailey and Aaron Harang were consistently ineffective, Leake was seemingly throwing 6 or 7 innings of two run ball every time. His arm tired down the stretch, and he became highly ineffective, but for Mike Leake to be this kind of starter without ever throwing a pitch in the minors is absolutely unbelievable.

Surprise of the Year: Miguel Cairo - When Cairo made the club out of spring training, I thought for sure it was a sign that the Reds were doomed for another bad season. Really? He didn't hit in spring, and he didn't hit in April. I thought he was a worthless bum. Little did I, or many other Reds fans know, that he would become vitally important when Votto or Rolen needed time off or were hurt. He stepped right in and would come up with two or three hits and a couple RBI's every game, like clockwork. I don't think the Reds would have been anywhere near where they were without him.

Disappointment of the Year: Aaron Harang - I don't have much to say. I hope he goes to a big ballpark where those cheap homers don't hurt him next year. I'm really not sure what happened with the big guy. Maybe it was that relief appearance in San Diego three years ago. Maybe it was that Jerry Narron let him pitch until his arm would practically fall off in games. He hasn't been good for quite awhile now, which is a tough break for someone that was consistently the Opening Day starter.

Most Important Player: Scott Rolen - I didn't know what to call this award, but I had to throw Scotty in here somewhere. He deserves recognition for having a great season, and really being the engine that got this whole thing started. When Rolen played, the Reds won. Period. He gave this team a presence on the field they haven't had in a long, long time. And when he struggled down the stretch, Cincinnati slumped too. It was a rough end to the year, but it was unbelievable for awhile there in May and June.

Season Ends....Remember When?

The Reds season ended last night on what was a picture perfect October day. Everything was beautiful, and downtown and Great American Ballpark was rocking with 44,599 fans. And the fans were into it. They did everything they could to urge Johnny Cueto to keep them in the game. They got behind the players. It was exactly the kind of atmosphere anyone could have asked for. But the offense never showed up.

The team that led the league in almost every offensive category disappeared for the final month and a half of the season. It was May and June when they surged, behind the hot bats of Scott Rolen and Jonny Gomes. But when they slumped, everyone else did. Good pitching got them through a terrific August, and they slept walked to the division title in September.

But despite the emergence of the offensive presence of Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs, the offense struggled. Why? Gomes didn't do that badly late in the year. Votto held up his end of the bargain.

The answer is Scott Rolen. After the All Star Break, he resembled more of the old, broken down third baseman he was in St. Louis than the MVP candidate he was in the first half of 2010 in Cincinnati. His bat slowed while his shoulders and back ached, and as if overnight, his power disappeared. From July 1st on, Rolen hit just 3 homers after knocking out 17 in the first 3 months.

Then the playoffs came. Joey Votto got nothing to hit, because the Phillies knew they could get Rolen out. And they did. Rolen went a miserable 1 for 11 with 8 strikeouts. And that's from the cleanup hitter. Throw in the fact that Votto was 1 for 10, and the Reds never had a chance.

They really didn't have a chance. 11 hits was all they could muster, which is a record low for the Divisional Series.

Remember when we said the offense would be there, and that the pitching had to hold up their end of the bargain? They did. It was the two things this team could rely on that let them down: offense and defense.


Nonetheless, what a season it has been for the Reds. I mean really, consider all of those amazing (both good and bad) moments over the course of the year:

Do you remember....

Drew Stubbs' grand slam on the first weekend of the year that beat the Cubs?

All of those wild last at bat wins in that first month plus of the year, including the 5 walk off homeruns over the whole year?

That the Reds actually started the season 7-11? How many thought they were dead in the water then?

Chris Heisey, Orlando Cabrera, and Ramon Hernandez teaming up to throw out Skip Schumaker at the plate to win the Civil Rights Game against St. Louis?

Bronson Arroyo tossing a complete game and driving in two runs as the Reds took first place from St. Louis in mid-May?

Beating Trevor Hoffman in the bottom of the 9th, where he could not even record an out?

Johnny Cueto's one hitter, followed by Homer Bailey's 90 pitch shutout?

Scoring just one run in three games in Seattle?

Bronson Arroyo's 5th career homer, a three run shot against the Dodgers?

Joey Votto's game tying three run homer off of Brad Lidge with two outs in the 9th inning against the Phillies?

The Reds rallying for 4 runs after being down 3-0 to Roy Halladay?

Travis Wood's near perfect game?

Being swept in Philadelphia before the All Star Break, including a pair of extra inning losses, along with two 1-0 losses?

Edinson Volquez's return to the majors?

Chris Heisey robbing the Braves of a homerun to keep the game tied?

Getting swept by St. Louis, and the brawl?

Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs' three homer games, each against the Cubs?

The 6-3 West Coast swing, including a dramatic game in San Francisco, where they blew a 9 run lead, and rallied back to win?

Aroldis Chapman's debut?

Travis Wood's homer off of Adam Wainwright?

Joey Votto's walk off homer on the night the Reds honored Pete Rose?

Jay Bruce's walk off to win the division?

The Reds' season is over. But the memories will last until March 31st, 2011. When a new season dawns, and the defending NL Central Champs will look to make another run at a Reds October.

Christmas in October

Who knew the Reds would play Santa Claus Friday night in Philadelphia?

Behind homers by Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce, and great pitching from Bronson Arroyo, the Reds jumped out to a 4-0 lead on Philadelphia. They chased their ultimate nemesis in Roy Oswalt. You could have heard a pin drop in Philly it was so quiet. 

But then the Reds found themselves staring at the adversity of all adversities this year. And it was of their own doing.

Two errors by Phillips, one by Rolen, and another by Bruce, where he lost the ball in the lights, led to an astounding 5 unearned runs for the Phillies. Rolen also made a poor decision in trying to cut down the lead runner in the 7th, when he had a sure out at first. Throw in three hitbatsmen and six walks, and the Phillies must have felt like kids on Christmas morning.

Cincinnati gift wrapped this one. And all of the sudden the crowd was roaring like Roy Halladay had thrown another no hitter.

The defense that was so good all year failed miserably. 

A win would have given them a good shot at home to win the series. Now they return home, with their backs against the wall.

Maybe they'll rally, put up a fight, and send it back to Philadelphia. It would be nice.

It's been one unbelievable ride, from start to finish. I just don't think anyone thought it might be coming to an end like this. Not the way it did Friday night.

Just One Game

You with me now? Take a step back from that edge, and take a deep breath. The season and this series is far from over. 

Roy Halladay was nearly perfect for one game. A walk was all that prevented him from attaining perfection. It was still only the second no hitter in the history of the playoffs. (The other being a perfect game by the Yankees Don Larsen in the 1956 World Series.)

Once the Phillies got that early lead, it was all over but the crying. There was still seven innings to go, but there was that feeling the Reds wouldn't sniff a run off of Halladay.

In the end, they couldn't sniff a hit. Travis Wood's lineout was the closest thing they got to a hit against the ace of aces.

Maybe Edinson Volquez was the wrong choice for game one. That's easy to say now. 

The '27 Bronx Bombers couldn't have beaten Halladay tonight.

But maybe the 2010 Reds will beat Oswalt Friday.

Right now, the no hitter is just a part of history. Hopefully the Reds can make it history with a win Friday night.

Playoffs Set to Begin; Reds, Phillies Clash

Cincinnati finished up their season at an impressive mark of 91-71. They now enter the playoffs as the third seed, with Philadelphia and San Francisco both having better records than them. They're set to take on the Phillies, and it's time to break down each series.

ALDS (best of 5):

Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers: This might be the best series that the playoffs will have to offer. Game one features an incredible matchup between Cliff Lee and David Price. Both teams have elite offenses, can run, and play outstanding defense. The Rays have the experience and a deeper rotation, but I love the Rangers lineup. If Josh Hamilton is healthy, Texas is the clear favorites, I think. I also like the fact that the Rangers' bullpen is so deep. So I'm going with the upset, and I'll take Texas over Tampa in 5.

Minnesota Twins vs. New York Yankees: I know the Phillies are on a roll, and the Rays won the division, but I can't shake the feeling that New York is still the team to beat in the playoffs. If Andy Pettitte is healthy and ready to go, the Yanks will be tough to beat with their rotation. But without him, I don't think they have a clear guy behind CC Sabathia. Minnesota is without Justin Morneau, and their lack of an ace in October could hurt them. I like the Yankees in 4.

NLDS (best of 5):

San Francisco Giants vs. Atlanta Braves: It has been a tremendous run for both of these teams, and it's nice to see Bobby Cox back in the postseason. But I think the Giants lineup is much deeper, and Lincecum and Cain are both awfully tough to beat, especially out in their home ballpark. Atlanta is banged up, and I'm not sure how ace Tim Hudson will hold up after slumping down the stretch. I'll take the Giants in the sweep.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Cincinnati Reds: Oh, the Phillies haven't already won this series? It seems like everyone in the national media has just looked past this series, and advanced Philadelphia to the next round. Not so fast. The Reds beat Roy Halladay once this year, pounding out 13 hits off of him, and they've beaten Roy Oswalt twice this year as well. I like the Reds bullpen and defense better than Philadelphia's. I also think Cincinnati's lineup matches up well against the bunch of fastball throwing pitchers that the Phillies will use. Cincinnati proved the doubters wrong all year, and there's an air of destiny to this team. Can they do it one more time? Cincinnati in 4.